Please reconvene the Employment Services Redesign Workgroup and move forward with improving Iowa's system to support integrated, competitive employment services for Iowans with disabilities.
Why is this important?
Iowa DHS Employment Outcome Vision is “Employment in the general workforce is the first priority and the expected and preferred outcome in the provision of publically funded services for all working age Iowans with disabilities." Iowa will not realize this vision without realigning the employment service system to support integrated employment. The purpose of rate redesign is to get providers the financial and professional development resources needed to deliver integrated employment services. The Employment Services Redesign Workgroup has not met since November 2013 and is waiting on approval from DHS leadership to proceed with the work. Multiple forces are driving the need to move Iowa forward: new CMS rules on integrated HCBS settings, Olmstead enforcement, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act, and Iowans with disabilities who want access to integrated employment services across the state.
